CEDAR FALLS - When David Backer enters a recently flooded building, the Cedar Falls home inspector wears a respirator.

"Until it's completely aired out, there's the ability for moisture-based bacteria, like mold, to grow," said the owner of the local BrickKicker franchise. "You don't want to mess around with that stuff."

But across the state homeowners are forced to do battle with the fungus, which can cause health problems, as they mop up from this month's record flood.

"As we move on and people start to get back in their homes, mold is going to be a huge issue," said Jon McNamee, environmental health program manager with the Black Hawk County Health Department. "If it's not taken care of properly, mold will continue to come back to a wetted area - particularly the warm, wet humid areas that mold loves best."

And although other flood cleanup tasks, like restoring family heirlooms, may seem more important, McNamee urges residents to address mold infestations early and thoroughly.

That means drying out the home, removing porous materials like carpet and particle board, and cleaning the remaining structure with a chlorine-based rinse to kill any remaining mold spores.

"You want to get that done as soon as possible," McNamee said. "The longer the home is wet, the more opportunities for mold to grow."

According to the Centers for Disease Control, people sensitive to the mold may experience a stuffy nose, irritated eyes, wheezing or skin irritation. Those with weakened immune systems or lung diseases may develop mold infections in their lungs after exposure.

"That's why it's extremely important that people go in with a mask or a respirator," McNamee said. "Your goal should be to limit your contact with it and get it out of the house."

People whose homes were flooded by river water should pay special attention to the dangers of mold, said Joel Harris, owner of Waterloo's Service Master by Harris.

"There's a lot of bacteria in that kind of water, so the mold's going to grow a lot quicker," he said. "Those people in particular need to be aware."

Like many home restoration companies in the Cedar Valley, Harris said he's been inundated by calls requesting flood cleanup services. Service Master crews from other states have been assigned to Iowa to help fill the requests.

"Anybody that's physically able can do this themselves, but if they do, they need to make sure they are taking the proper precautions," Harris said. "There's more in that water than just water."

Contact Mary Stegmeir at (319) 291-1482 or mary.stegmeir@wcfcourier.com.